Kramer VM-8HN User manual

KRAMER ELECTRONICS LTD.
USER MANUAL
MODEL:
VM-8HN
1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA
P/N: 2900-300427 Rev 4

VM-8HN – Contents
i
Contents
1Introduction 1
2Getting Started 2
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance 2
2.2 Safety Instructions 3
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products 3
3Overview 4
3.1 Defining the VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA 5
4Installing in a Rack 8
5Connecting the VM-8HN 9
5.1 Acquiring an EDID 10
5.2 Setting the DIP-Switches 11
6Protocol 3000 12
6.1 Command Summary 12
6.2 Command Details 12
6.3 EDID Source 16
6.4 Signal Validation 16
6.5 Stage 16
6.6 HDCP Types 16
7Technical Specifications 17
Figures
Figure 1: VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA Front Panel 6
Figure 2: VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA Rear Panel 7
Figure 3: Connecting the VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA 10

VM-8HN - Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Welcome to Kramer Electronics! Since 1981, Kramer Electronics has been
providing a world of unique, creative, and affordable solutions to the vast range of
problems that confront video, audio, presentation, and broadcasting professionals
on a daily basis. In recent years, we have redesigned and upgraded most of our
line, making the best even better!
Our 1,000-plus different models now appear in 14 groups that are clearly defined
by function: GROUP 1: Distribution Amplifiers; GROUP 2: Switchers and Routers;
GROUP 3: Control Systems; GROUP 4: Format/Standards Converters; GROUP 5:
Range Extenders and Repeaters; GROUP 6: Specialty AV Products; GROUP 7:
Scan Converters and Scalers; GROUP 8: Cables and Connectors; GROUP 9:
Room Connectivity; GROUP 10: Accessories and Rack Adapters; GROUP 11:
Sierra Video Products; GROUP 12: Digital Signage; GROUP 13: Audio; and
GROUP 14: Collaboration.
Congratulations on purchasing your Kramer VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA,
which is ideal for the following typical applications:
Digital signage
Entertainment
Rental and staging

2
VM-8HN - Getting Started
2 Getting Started
We recommend that you:
Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packaging
materials for possible future shipment
Review the contents of this user manual
2.1 Achieving the Best Performance
To achieve the best performance:
Use only good quality connection cables (we recommend Kramer high-
performance, high-resolution cables) to avoid interference, deterioration in
signal quality due to poor matching, and elevated noise levels (often
associated with low quality cables)
Do not secure the cables in tight bundles or roll the slack into tight coils
Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances that may adversely
influence signal quality
Position your Kramer VM-8HN away from moisture, excessive sunlight and
dust
This equipment is to be used only inside a building. It may only be
connected to other equipment that is installed inside a building.
!

VM-8HN - Getting Started
3
2.2 Safety Instructions
Caution:
There are no operator serviceable parts inside the unit
Warning:
Use only the power cord that is supplied with the unit
Warning:
Do not open the unit. High voltages can cause
electrical shock! Servicing by qualified personnel only
Warning:
Disconnect the power and unplug the unit from the wall
before installing
2.3 Recycling Kramer Products
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
aims to reduce the amount of WEEE sent for disposal to landfill or incineration by
requiring it to be collected and recycled. To comply with the WEEE Directive,
Kramer Electronics has made arrangements with the European Advanced
Recycling Network (EARN) and will cover any costs of treatment, recycling and
recovery of waste Kramer Electronics branded equipment on arrival at the EARN
facility.
!

4
VM-8HN - Overview
3 Overview
The VM-8HN is a high-quality 1:8 HDMI distributor with 2 looping HDMI outputs
that takes one HDMI input, equalizes and reclocks the signal and distributes it to
eight identical outputs and two loops. The VM-8HN distributes signals having
resolutions up to 4Kx2K 30Hz and including WUXGA and 1080p.
In particular, the VM-8HN features:
A maximum data rate of 10.2Gbps (3.4Gbps per graphic channel)
HDMI support for Deep Color, x.v.Color™, Lip Sync, HDMI Uncompressed
Audio Channels, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, CEC (CEC pass through from
input to output 1 only)
HDCP compliance
Video wall support that mutes the video on all displays and simultaneously
unmutes them when all inputs are ready; with selectable output delay.
Automatic 5V turn off - When no active input signal is detected, the unit turns
off 5V on the output allowing attached devices to power off.
MAC Setting enables and disables HDCP support on the input allowing the
source to transmit a non−HDCP signal if required.
Force RGB modifies the EDID saved on the input to support RGB format
(that is, not YUV format).
Kramer Equalization & re-Klocking™ Technology that rebuilds the digital
signal integrity to travel longer distances
I-EDIDPro™ Kramer Intelligent EDID Processing™, an intelligent EDID
handling and processing algorithm that ensures Plug and Play operation for
HDMI systems
A default EDID for fast and efficient connection of the unit
The default EDID feature lets you connect the VM-8HN without having to connect a
display to the output
Support for EDID Designer
3D pass-through

VM-8HN - Overview
5
3.1 Defining the VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA
This section defines the VM-8HN.

6
VM-8HN - Overview
VM-8HN –Overview
6
Figure 1: VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA Front Panel
#
Feature
Function
1
ON LED
Lights when the device is powered on
2
EDID READ Button
Press to select the chosen output
3
EDID SELECT Button
Press to sequentially cycle through the outputs
4
IN LED
Lights when an active input signal is detected
5
OUT LED (1-8)
Lights when an active output acceptor is detected, flashes when HDCP is not supported by the monitor
6
LOOP LED (1-2)
Lights when an active output loop acceptor is detected
7
PROGRAM mini USB Connector
Use to upgrade the device firmware, also works with the EDID Designer

VM-8HN - Overview
7
Figure 2: VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA Rear Panel
#
Feature
Function
8
INPUT Connector
Connects to the HDMI source
9
OUT Connector (1-8)
Connect to up to 8 HDMI acceptors
10
LOOP Connector (1-2)
Connect to up to 2 HDMI loop acceptors
11
SETUP DIP-Switches
Adjust to set output delay, automatic power off for the 5V output, MAC mode, programming, force RGB
MAC settings enable the system to force the source to input non-HDCP content.
Force RGB forces the source to send video with an RGB color space.
12
RESET Button
Press to return to default EDID
13
Power Socket, Fuse and Switch
Connects power to and switches the unit on and off
7
VM-8HN –Overview

8
VM-8HN - Installing in a Rack
4 Installing in a Rack
This section provides instructions for rack mounting the unit.

VM-8HN - Connecting the VM-8HN
9
5 Connecting the VM-8HN
Always switch off the power to each device before connecting it to your
VM-8HN. After connecting your VM-8HN, connect its power and then
switch on the power to each device.
To connect the VM-8HN, do the following:
1. Set the DIP-switches as needed (see Section 5.2).
2. Connect an HDMI source (for example, a DVD player) to the INPUT
connector.
3. Connect the eight OUT connectors to up to eight HDMI acceptors (for
example, plasma displays).
Not all outputs need to be connected.
4. Connect the two LOOP connectors to up to two HDMI loop acceptors (for
example, plasma displays).
Note: The loop connectors do not provide the video wall delay or automatic 5V turn-off
features.
5. Connect the power cord to the mains electricity.
6. Turn ON the POWER.
7. Acquire the EDID (see Section 5.1).
i

10
VM-8HN - Connecting the VM-8HN
Figure 3: Connecting the VM-8HN 1:8+2 HDMI Looping DA
5.1 Acquiring an EDID
To acquire an EDID, press the EDID SELECT button as follows:
1. The first press of the EDID SELECT button displays the present EDID status
similar to that shown in the next step.
2. The second press of EDID SELECT enters the read mode and each
additional press cycles through the source options:
OUT 1 -> OUT 2 -> OUT 3 -> OUT 4 -> OUT 5 -> OUT 6 -> OUT 7 -> OUT 8
-> LOOP 1 -> LOOP 2, all LEDS flash slowly for a default EDID.
3. When the desired EDID source is reached, press the EDID READ button.
The VM-8HN reads the EDID for a few seconds. When finished, all LEDS
return to display the present output connection status.
If an unconnected output is chosen or the EDID cannot be read, the VM-8HN loads the
default EDID.
Note: After reading an EDID, there is an interruption on the video outputs while syncing
with the monitors.

VM-8HN - Connecting the VM-8HN
11
5.2 Setting the DIP-Switches
The eight DIP-switches located on the back panel are used for video wall, 5V DC,
MAC settings and force RGB.
The DIP-switch status is sampled when the device is reset. The unit must be
powered off and on for the new settings to activate.
DIPs 1 and 2 - Video Wall Delay
DIP 1
DIP 2
Video Wall Delay
up
up
Video wall off –
0 delay
down
up
On –10 sec delay
up
down
On –15 sec delay
down
down
On –17 sec delay
DIPs 3 and 4 - Output 5V Off Delay
DIP 3
DIP 4
Output 5V Off Delay
up
up
15 mins
up
down
1 min
down
up
15 sec
down
down
5 sec
DIP 5 –MAC Mode
DIP 5
MAC Mode
up
MAC on
down
MAC off
Note: MAC mode does not support HDCP.
DIP 6 –Force RGB
DIP 6
Force RGB
up
Use monitor EDID
down
Use monitor EDID and force
RGB support
Note: After setting force RGB, you must reset the device.
DIPs 7 –Reserved for future use
DIP 8 –Firmware Update
DIP 8
FW Update
up
Normal operation
down
Update firmware

12
VM-8HN - Protocol 3000
6 Protocol 3000
6.1 Command Summary
The VM-8HN supports the following Protocol 3000 commands:
Command
Description
Type
Permission
CPEDID
Copy EDID data from the output to the input
EEPROM
EDID Handling
End User
DISPLAY?
Get output HPD status
System
End User
FACTORY
Reset device to factory default configuration
System-mandatory
End User
HDCP-STAT?
Get HDCP signal status
System
End User
RESET
Reset device
System-mandatory
End User
SIGNAL?
Get input signal lock status
System
End User
SN?
Get device serial number
System-mandatory
End User
6.2 Command Details
Command - CPEDID
Command Type - EDID Handling
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
CPEDID
End User
Public
Get:
-
-
-
Description
Syntax
Set:
Copy EDID data from the output to
the input EEPROM
#CPEDID␠src_type, src_id, dst_type,
dest_bitmap␍
Get:
-
-
Response
~nn@CPEDID␠src_stg, src_id, dst_type, dest_bitmap␍␊
Parameters
src_type - EDID source type (usually output) (see Section 6.3 EDID Source)
src_id - number of chosen source stage (1.. max number of inputs/outputs)
dst_type - EDID destination type (usually input) (see Section 6.3 EDID Source)
dest_bitmap - bitmap representing destination IDs. Format: XXXX…X, where X is hex digit. The binary
form of every hex digit represents corresponding destinations. Setting ‘1’ says that EDID data has to be
copied to this destination
Response Triggers
Response is sent to the com port from which the Set was received (before execution)
Notes
Destination bitmap size depends on device properties (for 64 inputs it is a 64-bit word)
Example: bitmap 0x0013 means inputs 1,2 and 5 are loaded with the new EDID

VM-8HN - Protocol 3000
13
Command - DISPLAY?
Command Type - System
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
-
-
-
Get
DISPLAY?
End User
Public
Description
Syntax
Set:
-
-
Get:
Get output HPD status
#DISPLAY?␠out_id␍
Response
~ nn@DISPLAY␠out_id,status ␍␊
Parameters
out_id - output number
status - HPD status according to signal validation (see Section 6.4 Signal Validation)
Response Triggers
After execution, response is sent to the com port from which the Get was received
Response is sent after every change in output HPD status ON to OFF
Response is sent after every change in output HPD status OFF to ON and ALL parameters (new EDID,
etc.) are stable and valid
Notes
Command - FACTORY
Command Type - System-mandatory
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
FACTORY
End User
Public
Get:
-
-
-
Description
Syntax
Set:
Reset device to factory default
configuration
#FACTORY␍
Get:
-
-
Response
~nn@FACTORY␠OK␍␊
Parameters
Response Triggers
Notes
This command deletes all user data from the device. The deletion can take some time.

14
VM-8HN - Protocol 3000
Command - HDCP-STAT
Command Type - System
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
-
-
-
Get:
HDCP-STAT?
End User
Public
Description
Syntax
Set:
-
-
Get:
Get HDCP signal status
#HDCP-STAT?␠stage,stage_id␍
Response
Set / Get: ~ nn@HDCP-STAT␠stage,stage_id,mode␍␊
Parameters
stage –input/output (see Section 6.5 Stage)
stage_id - number of chosen stage (1.. max number of inputs/outputs)
actual_status - signal encryption status - valid values ON/OFF (see Section 6.6 HDCP Types)
Response Triggers
Response is sent to the com port from which the Set (before execution) / Get command was received
Response is sent to all com ports after execution if HDCP-STAT was set by any other external control
device (button press, device menu and similar) or HDCP mode changed
Notes
On output –sink status
On input –signal status
Command - RESET
Command Type - System-mandatory
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
RESET
Administrator
Public
Get:
-
-
-
Description
Syntax
Set:
Reset device
#RESET␍
Get:
-
-
Response
~nn@RESET␠OK␍␊
Parameters
Response Triggers
Notes
To avoid locking the port due to a USB bug in Windows, disconnect USB connections immediately after
running this command. If the port was locked, disconnect and reconnect the cable to reopen the port.

VM-8HN - Protocol 3000
15
Command - SIGNAL
Command Type - System
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
-
-
-
Get
SIGNAL?
End User
Public
Description
Syntax
Set:
-
-
Get:
Get input signal lock status
#SIGNAL?␠inp_id␍
Response
~ nn@SIGNAL␠inp_id,status ␍␊
Parameters
inp_id - input number
status - lock status according to signal validation (see Section 6.4 Signal Validation)
Response Triggers
After execution, a response is sent to the com port from which the Get was received
Response is sent after every change in input signal status ON to OFF, or OFF to ON
Notes
Command - SN?
Command Type - System-mandatory
Command Name
Permission
Transparency
Set:
-
-
-
Get:
SN?
End User
Public
Description
Syntax
Set:
-
-
Get:
Get device serial number
#SN?␍
Response
~nn@SN␠serial_number␍␊
Parameters
serial_number - 11 decimal digits, factory assigned
Response Triggers
Notes
For new products with 14 digit serial numbers, use only the last 11 digits

16
VM-8HN - Protocol 3000
6.3 EDID Source
Number
Value
0
Input
1
Output
2
Default EDID
6.4 Signal Validation
Number
Value
0
Signal or sink is not valid
1
Signal or sink is valid
2
Sink and EDID is valid
6.5 Stage
Number
Value
0
Input
1
Output
2
(Reserved)
3
(Reserved)
6.6 HDCP Types
Number
Value
0
HDCP Off
1
HDCP On
2
Follow input
3
Mirror output (“MAC mode”)

VM-8HN - Technical Specifications
17
7 Technical Specifications
INPUT:
1 HDMI connector
OUTPUTS:
10 HDMI connectors (8 output, 2 loop)
MAX. DATA RATE:
10.2Gbps (3.4Gbps per graphic channel)
COMPLIANCE WITH HDMI
STANDARD:
Supports HDMI and HDCP
CONTROLS:
EDID SELECT and READ buttons
INDICATOR LEDs:
OUTPUTS 1 to 8, LOOP 1 and 2 and ACTIVE input LED
POWER CONSUMPTION:
100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 26VA
OPERATING TEMPERATURE:
0° to +40°C (32° to 104°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE:
-40° to +70°C (-40° to 158°F)
HUMIDITY:
10% to 90%, RHL non-condensing
DIMENSIONS:
19” x 7” x 1U
WEIGHT:
1.5kg (3.3lbs)
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:
Power cord